Do yourself proud as the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games comes to Sheffield

Thursday 14 January 2016

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Sheffield is one of six cities across the UK, and the only city in the north of England and the Yorkshire region to host one of the first ever Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Flagship Games this March.

People of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to walk, run, swim or cycle and ‘do yourself proud’ by signing up for the Sport Relief Mile, Sport Relief Swimathon and Sport Relief Cycle, all taking place on Sunday 20 March.

The main event will be held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as games in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow and Norwich.

Sheffield’s games will take place in the city centre and surrounding area, with the Event Village in the Peace Gardens. The cycle route winds around the Winter Gardens, Peace Gardens and Millennium Square, while the mile for walkers and runners departs at Barker’s Pool and heads to the west of the city. Sheffield’s Swimathon will, of course, be held in the Olympic sized pool at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

The event village will host an array of exciting activities throughout the day, with opportunities to try a range of sports from local clubs, plus musical entertainment following each event.
The money raised will help disadvantaged people living incredibly tough lives, across the UK and the world’s poorest communities. Community groups and clubs in the local area can apply for funding from the money raised so Sheffield will directly benefit from the games.

Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting one of the first Flagship Games for Sport Relief. Sheffield has a renowned sporting history and events like this help us to inspire future generations and continue that sporting legacy.

“As the Outdoor City we have an amazing sporting offer, so whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a total beginner we can cater for all, and bringing this event to Sheffield will motivate more people to get involved in sport and try something new.

“In addition to the health benefits, it’s fantastic that some of our local groups have the chance to win funding that could help them provide better services for local people.

“We’re all set for an exciting weekend of sport and entertainment and I encourage as many people to come along join in – even if it’s cheering on the side-lines.”

This is not the first time Sheffield has been chosen as a host city for sport – four years ago the city played host for Olympic teams from around the world, training at our world class facilities here in Sheffield. This included GB athletes including local girl and gold medal winner – the Olympic poster girl Jess Ennis.

Whether you walk, run, ride, swim or just watch, the Sport Relief Games is an event for all.

There’s still plenty of time to enter the games, with online applications closing on 19 March. If space is available people will be able to sign up at the event village on the day. More information is on the Sport Relief website at www.sportrelief.com.

Local groups can apply for funding from the money raised by the games by visiting http://www.sycf.org.uk/. Applications close on 7 February.